Car Accident and Respiratory Distress: A Trauma-Based Pneumothorax Simulation Case for Medical Students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Traumatic pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt recognition and intervention.
• Early structured trauma assessment is crucial for managing cardiopulmonary deterioration.
• Simulation-based training improves learner confidence and clinical preparedness in trauma scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce pre-clinical medical students to the principles of trauma assessment and management.
• To enhance learners' ability to identify and manage traumatic pneumothorax using simulation.
• To integrate clinical reasoning, diagnostic interpretation, and team communication in a high-acuity setting.

Main Methods:

• High-fidelity simulation environment with standardized nurse, vital signs, and diagnostic imaging displays.
• Utilized the ABCDE approach for trauma assessment, incorporating history, physical exam, and point-of-care ultrasound.
• Employed instructional scaffolding with facilitator cues and dynamic patient status changes to guide learners.

Main Results:

• Learners successfully completed key actions including focused history, physical exam, and imaging interpretation.
• Students showed increased confidence and improved understanding of FAST exam, primary trauma survey, and pneumothorax management.
• Simulation rated highly for clinical relevance, realism, and educational value.

Conclusions:

• The simulation successfully integrates clinical reasoning and team communication for high-acuity trauma management.
• This novel pre-clerkship scenario enhances structured primary survey skills and acute management of traumatic pneumothorax.
• Scaffolding, point-of-care diagnostics, and collaborative decision-making are key benefits for learners.